WINTON – Children were everywhere Monday evening.

The Hertford County Board of Commissioners had a host of children, parents and educators at their regular meeting when the winners of the 250th anniversary art and essay contests were announced.

“To help Hertford County celebrate our 250th anniversary, the events committee held an art and essay contest,” said Assistant County Manager Patricia Weaver.

The project was headed up by Lands Record Manager Gay Sumner and her assistant, Sara Turner.

“We were really pleased with the entries,” Sumner said. “There was a lot of hard work put in and good work turned in for both contests.”

The theme for the contest was Hertford County’s past, present and future or a representation of all three.

Sumner and Turner then announced the winners of the art contest:

First Place (grades 1-2) Amber Bowser;

First Place (grades 3-5) William Nock and Ernest Young;

Second Place (grades 3-5) Quatavis Powell;

Third place (grades 3-5) Brianna Tenhet;

First Place (grades 6-8) Nicholas Adams;

Second Place (grades 6-8) Briana Small.

All entries for the contest came from Riverview Elementary School and Principal Patty Hardy was in attendance for the announcement.

Sumner and Turner also announced winner for the essay contest. They were:

First Place (grades 6-8) Tucker Warren;

Second Place (grades 6-8) Travis Gatling;

Third Place (grades 6-8) Amber Morings.

Also recognized for their participation in the essay contest were Juliana Jordan, Denisha Y. Brownlee and Casslee Sims Jr. All those who participated were students at Hertford County Middle School and Principal Carson Watford was also in attendance for the awards.

After the students were given certificates and gift cards for their accomplishments, they were given Hertford County pins by members of the county commission.

“We would like to congratulate all the students who participated on a job well done,” Commission Chairman Howard J. Hunter III said. “Keep up the good work.”

Each of the other commissioners then added their words of thanks, beginning with Commissioner William F. Mitchell III.

“Congratulations. Thank you for your hard work,” he said. “Maybe some of you will sit up here one day. We can’t be here forever.”

Commissioner DuPont L. Davis also congratulated those who participated.

“Thank you all,” Davis said. “There is a lot of good work that you have done.”

Commissioner Johnnie R. Farmer added, “Congratulations. Thank you all for being here. It’s also good to see so many parents, teachers, brothers and sisters with you. We appreciate you so much.”

In his comments, Commissioner Curtis A. Freeman said he knew there were good children in the world, despite whatever may be seen on television or read in newspapers.

He also offered his thanks to the children and their parents.

“Good job to all of you,” he said. “To the parents, thank you for being behind them.”

Hertford County Manager Loria D. Williams also offered her thoughts about the group.

“I had the opportunity to read every essay,” Williams said. “I encourage you to be life-long learners. Parents, thank you for having them here.”

Williams also commended Weaver, Sumner, Turner and Josephine Green for their work with the program.

“We appreciate so much their time and dedication to the project,” she said.